I will be showing over the summer (equitation) and my parents have granted me extra riding time to prepare. I have the option of a half-lease (3 days a week) at a barn near my house, or an extra private lesson every week at the barn that I normally take lessons at and will be showing under. I am torn between the two because of course I want to pick the three hours as opposed to one. With the lease option, I could practice my flat work and work on things that I've been told in my lessons. However, I wouldn't be able to lease the horse I'm showing on! With the extra lesson option, I could get jumping practice on the horse I show with, but only for an extra one hour a week. Would it be more beneficial for me as a rider to have an extra lesson every week on the horse I show, or to lease for three days a week on a different horse?Thanks! ~liveluvride

Skyseternalangel

05-15-2013 08:00 PM

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Well I'm always for getting better with the horse you're riding, but riding different horses is beneficial also.

Why not try half leasing for awhile.. and if you don't like it then go to an extra lesson a week?

liveluvride

05-15-2013 08:55 PM

Thanks so much, that is what I'll probably try :)

6gun Kid

05-16-2013 08:31 AM

I never understood leasing, you have all of the responsibility and none of the authority. With the horse market what it is, why not pick up your own horse?

kitten_Val

05-16-2013 08:42 AM

live, do you take lessons at all (I assume you do based on your post)? If so, how often? If you have a lesson once/week I'd go with half-lease (3 hours week on a horse will give you more riding experience). However if you have lessons once-twice/month, I'd go with extra lesson/week.

And you can try half-lease for a month and see how it goes for you. :)

kitten_Val

05-16-2013 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6gun Kid
(Post 2529778)

With the horse market what it is, why not pick up your own horse?

Kid, because not everyone can afford one. Owning horses can be very expensive (especially if you board), and you carry lots of responsibility. Plus if the OP is the minor she has no say really - it's parent's decision.

liveluvride

05-16-2013 04:33 PM

6gun Kid- I am unable to get a horse as the boarding cost in my area is well over anything my family could afford. :(
Kitten Val- I currently take a one-hour private lesson once a week. Thank you for your suggestion, I will most likely try a lease and see how it goes.
Thanks everyone for responding! :)

kenda

05-16-2013 05:01 PM

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I would say do the half lease IF you have the discipline to ensure that you really use those three rides to work on your riding. When you don't have a coach around to tell you what to do, its tempting to be to easy on yourself and your horse and just walk around or allow the horse to travel incorrectly, or ride incorrectly. If you have enough knowledge and self awareness to say ok, my posture is good, my hands are where they are supposed to be, etc. etc. and the feel to know when the horse is travelling in a way that is beneficial to his training, and the discipline to make yourself work hard, then definitely do the lease.